AboutMichael Expertise Ph.D. Cand. in Latin. Conversant with all forms of the language: classical, mediaeval, and modern. My purpose is to provide information on the Latin language of all periods. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT REQUESTS FOR TRANSLATIONS. If you need assistance for a translation projects, there are other resources that provide that service, such as Vivat Latina! at www.traditio.com/latin.htm.
Experience I have 45 years of teaching at all levels from public school through university postgraduate. I read, write, and speak Latin daily.
Question Hello!
I've been working on writing some latin for a project and i think i've got most of it right. Although "Pulchritudo in oculis aspicientis est" i'm not really sure about. Should the tence change? The sentance should be "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Although with the with pulchritudo ending with an "o", does that refer to me, myself, or can it be used like this as i want to refer to anyone being the "beholder". I hope you an understand my english to start with :) Thanks for ur time!
Best regards
Alexander Hogstrom
Answer That will work. "Pulchritudo" ends in "o" because it is a feminine singular noun of the third declension. The tense is fine (present) for a gnomic statement. There is no reference to any person, as you have expressed it. It is a generic statement applying to anyone. The use of the participle "aspicientis" is quite neat. Most people would have tried to use a less idiomatic noun.
